Buses running without headlights, relying on mobile torches… Politics heats up over KKRTC bus service in Karnataka

Bengaluru: A political controversy has intensified regarding the state of government bus services in Karnataka. Videos and photos surfacing on social media claim that some Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses were driven at night using mobile phone torches because their headlights were non-functional. It is alleged that the state government lacks the necessary funds, which is why the bus lights were not repaired. The opposition has accused the state government of neglecting the transport system amidst this issue.

Meanwhile, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy addressed the matter in a post on X. He stated that the Ministry of Heavy Industries had allocated 4,500 electric buses under the PM e-DRIVE scheme. Despite receiving confirmation as early as December 2025, the state government (@tdkarnataka) has failed to even issue the ‘Letter of Award,’ thereby stalling the entire process.

Politics heats up over the poor condition of buses
Additionally, the state government has outstanding reimbursement dues amounting to ₹4,573 crore under the ‘Shakti’ scheme, leaving no funds even for minor repairs to existing buses. Yet, due to their own failure, they are unable to utilize the 4,500 free new e-buses. Political rhetoric has intensified regarding the dilapidated state of the buses and the alleged delay in the e-bus project. The government and the opposition are now at loggerheads over the issue, while passenger concerns regarding the transport system continue to mount.